Rediscovering Fort Sanders: The American Civil War and Its Impact on Knoxville's Cultural Landscape

In the fall of 1863, Union troops occupied Knoxville and constructed Fort Sanders, a vital defense site that would be the site of a significant battle on November 29, resulting in over eight hundred Rebel casualties. Rediscovering Fort Sanders reveals the fort's actual location a block farther to the west and identifies remnants of the fortification where none were believed to exist, inspiring efforts to preserve and commemorate it for future generations.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 277 pages
\n Publication date: 30 October 2020
\n Publisher: University of Tennessee Press
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In the fall of 1863, Knoxville fell under Union occupation, and troops rushed to action to reinforce and construct new defenses. Among these was the formidable earthwork atop a hill west of the city, which later became known as Fort Sanders. This fort held immense importance as it would be the stage of a pivotal battle on November 29, 1863. General James Longstreet's Southern forces launched a bold but ill-fated assault on the fort, lasting only twenty minutes but resulting in over eight hundred Rebel casualties. The completion of the fort under General Davis Tilson ensured Knoxville's protection from further attacks for the remainder of the war.

Rediscovering Fort Sanders is a captivating book that weaves together a narrative history of pre-Civil War Knoxville, the war years, and the ongoing construction of Fort Sanders. Through extensive research by Terry and Charles Faulkner, two significant discoveries were made. Firstly, the fort was located a block farther to the west than previously recognized, and secondly, remnants of the fortification were found where none were believed to exist.

This book goes beyond being a mere chronicle of a significant chapter in Civil War and postwar history. It serves as a catalyst for inspiring others to continue the noble effort to preserve and commemorate the site and remains of Fort Sanders for future generations. The significance of this fort lies in its historical and cultural value, as it represents the resilience and determination of the people during a turbulent period in American history.

By rediscovering and preserving Fort Sanders, we honor the memory of those who fought and sacrificed for their beliefs. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Civil War and a reminder of the importance of preserving our shared heritage. Through ongoing research, education, and community engagement, we can ensure that Fort Sanders remains a vibrant symbol of our nation's history and a source of pride for generations to come.

\n Weight: 744g\n
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781621904816\n \n